Onboard Disney Cruise Line ships, conservation is not limited to engineers and environmental officers.  Crew members working in shipboard galleys are also involved with this effort, supporting the development of alternative energy sources for small vehicles at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

In an ongoing program, used, trans fat-free cooking oil from shipboard kitchens is offloaded and combined with diesel fuel to power small vehicles, heavy equipment and other machinery on the island.  The non-traditional recycling program is having a big impact on Castaway Cay.

Due to it’s location 58 nautical miles from Nassau, Bahamas, Castaway Cay relies on most consumable resources being brought in on ships and small boats.  While helping to reduce waste, repurposing oil from shipboard kitchens also helps to reduce the need to ship traditional fossil fuels to the island while providing a reliable fuel source for island vehicles. 

“Some people may be surprised to hear that we are recycling cooking oil,” said Guenter Schmid, Manager of Castaway Cay Island Operations.  “But it’s really a natural fit for us, helping the environment and supporting our everyday operation.”

First implemented on the island in 2008, the program has successfully reduced diesel consumption and carbon emissions, saving up to 8,000 gallons of traditional fuel annually.  That's enough fuel to power up to nine homes in the United States for a year!